Chapter 8 Enjoying a life of luxury
"What are your thoughts on the matter of the Yan family of Jiangnan being exiled and their property confiscated?"
In the bamboo grove, a pavilion stands tall. Two people sit facing each other at a stone table, their hands moving as they exchange chess pieces, gradually filling the board, yet neither can determine a winner.
The man sitting at the stone table was over forty years old, with a long beard, his black hair loosely tied up, and his eyes deep and thoughtful. He exuded an air of refined elegance. This was Chu Shao, the current esteemed Confucian scholar of Wenyuan Academy. He had served as a teacher at the Imperial Academy and had also educated several princes. Later, he pursued Confucianism and Taoism, traveling extensively until he arrived at Wenyuan Academy last year, where he temporarily settled.
The person opposite him was no more than seventeen or eighteen years old, dressed in simple clothes and wearing a wooden hat. Although his attire was plain and unassuming, his gaze was neither humble nor arrogant, like the green bamboo beside him—handsome, reserved, and possessing a remarkable air despite his young age.
Faced with the question, he pondered for a moment and said, "His Majesty is a wise ruler throughout the ages. Even if he indulges the chief minister, he would not exile an entire clan for no reason. The entire court and other centuries-old clans would not stand idly by. Therefore, there is only one possibility."
As he spoke, he picked up a white chess piece and placed it on the board, turning the tables on his opponent. He raised his eyes and said firmly, "The Yan family deserves their punishment."
Chu Shao didn't answer, but simply put the chess piece down again and said lightly, "You lost."
In the blink of an eye, the opposing white stone made another move. Although the outcome was not reversed, the odds of losing were reduced.
Yan Sheng continued, neither humble nor arrogant: "However, the Yan family is a century-old distinguished family with a high standing among scholars. They also contributed to His Majesty's ascension to the throne, suppressing the remaining rebel forces and pacifying countless scholars in the south. Their contributions are undeniable. Even if they are guilty, they should not be placed in this position. The Song chief minister acts arrogantly and lawlessly, showing no regard for scholars. It's no wonder everyone is so angry."
Chu Shao then showed a satisfied expression and said, "Song Shang is arrogant and looks down on everyone else. He acts rashly and doesn't care about past relationships at all. If it weren't for His Majesty protecting him..."
The unfinished meaning was quite obvious, but Chu Shao didn't elaborate. Instead, he looked at Yan Sheng with satisfaction and said, "Although you are intelligent, your foundation is weak. You've been held back for too long by those fools. I don't have high expectations for you. Achieve second place in the palace examination, and you'll become my disciple."
If he can't even get into the second tier, then he doesn't need to take it seriously.
Upon hearing this, Yan Sheng became more serious: "I will do my utmost."
...
It was half an hour later when Yan Sheng finally left the bamboo garden.
Born into poverty, even with his best efforts, he could only acquire knowledge from books, remaining completely ignorant of external affairs, the distribution of power in the court and among the people, and the situation in various regions. Fortunately, he encountered a good teacher, which gave him great confidence for this imperial examination.
Yan Sheng emerged from the serene bamboo grove. In the dappled sunlight, dressed in simple clothes and wearing coarse shoes, his thin and impoverished appearance belied an undisguised ambition in his eyes.
Second-class?
No, his goal is to be the top scorer.
He glanced back at the pavilion hidden among the trees, suppressed his ambition, and walked outside. Unexpectedly, he was met with an impatient Tao Zhiyi.
Yan Sheng waved his hand: "Brother Tao, what are you doing here?"
Tao Zhiyi got angry when he heard this: "How did I end up here? Go ask that shrew outside. As the sage said, 'Cultivate oneself, regulate one's family, govern the state, and bring peace to the world.' Why don't you regulate your family first?"
After saying that, he turned and left.
These few vague words initially didn't make sense to Yan Sheng. After a moment's thought, he realized what they meant and quickly walked out of the academy.
Meanwhile, Song Jin had been waiting outside the door for half an hour.
She couldn't possibly stand the whole time, given how long it took.
When Yan Sheng came out, she was sitting by the roadside, a small stool under her bottom, a cup of iced tea to her left, a pile of sunflower seed shells to her right, a piece of meat in her left hand tearing into it, and a storybook in her right hand, grinning from ear to ear.
She was the most eye-catching person on the whole road.
Yan Sheng: "..."
Having grown accustomed to reading in the mountains, Song Jin was still very attentive, even to her favorite parts, and immediately noticed Yan Sheng emerging from the room. She closed the book and rubbed her cheeks, which were flushed from smiling.
This book was published three years ago. It's about a stoic young man who encounters all sorts of strange things when he goes out. Although the author doesn't seem to be trying to talk about these things, Song Jin really enjoyed it and has been following it since the first volume. She's a big fan.
She carefully put away the book, put down her crossed legs, drank her iced tea, and then slowly stood up, waving at Yan Sheng and calling out, "Yan Lao Er, over here."
Having already spotted Song Jin, Yan Sheng smiled calmly under the gazes of those around him and walked towards her.
Their family had fled to Linxi Town from other places during famine. Life was tough back then; the family was so poor that their eldest brother fell ill and died because they couldn't afford medicine. He and his younger siblings were also so thin they looked like mantises.
Under these circumstances, it was naturally impossible for his family to afford his education.
Yan Sheng loved reading. From a young age, he would eavesdrop on other students' classes outside the academy, and before long, he had memorized the Three Character Classic, demonstrating his talent. Even so, he still couldn't get a proper education.
In those days, the expenses for education were simply too high. Life in their town had only just begun to improve, and it wasn't nearly as good as it is now. Everyone was struggling to send their own children to school, let alone a child from another family like him.
Besides, even if he has a talent for studying, are there few scholars in the world? Even if he passes the imperial examinations and becomes a scholar or a graduate, it won't have a significant impact on people's lives, unless he becomes a Jinshi (a high-ranking scholar), but that's extremely difficult.
It wasn't until Niu Tielan moved to town with her child that she discovered how hardworking and studious the little boy was, even reciting his lessons while herding pigs, that he started going to school.
Thirteen years have passed since he was five years old, and countless amounts of money have been spent in the meantime. And this is just the beginning; the real expenses will come later, for the provincial, metropolitan, and imperial examinations.
Yan Sheng felt indebted, but he believed that once he succeeded in the imperial examinations and made a name for himself, these things would be nothing.
He looked at the bright and flamboyant Song Jin, feeling quite pleased, but seeing her unsteady posture, he couldn't help but frown and said tactfully...
"Jinjin, this is the entrance to the academy."
Song Jin dusted off his robes, laughing and chuckling without a care, even a hint of smugness: "Don't worry, last time I squatted here with Magistrate Xiao and nobody said a word."
Yan Sheng was speechless: "The county magistrate is too informal."
Song Jin: "Exactly, that's a great word!"
Yan Sheng's lips twitched slightly; he was referring to the adult, not her.
How can she be compared to Magistrate Xiao? Talented people have the right to hold their positions, and no one will question what they do. She's just a young woman...
Yan Sheng wanted to say something, but seeing Song Jin's indifferent expression, he swallowed his words.
Forget it, Aunt Niu has spoiled her since she was little, and she's still young, so she's used to not caring about these things. He can teach her slowly after she gets married.
The thought of being able to discuss marriage after passing the imperial examination filled Yan Sheng with joy, and a smile appeared on his face: "Why did you come today? Is something wrong at home? How are my father, mother, brother, and sister?"
Song Jin teased, "You're quite energetic, always bragging outside that you're about to have a son who's a scholar. You'd better work harder, or you'll be too ashamed to come home."
Yan Sheng could practically picture the scene just listening to it. He felt a mix of helplessness and confidence: "I'll definitely pass the exam."
Song Jin raised an eyebrow, also thinking that Yan Sheng would definitely pass the exam given how hard he studied. She smiled and asked, "Why are you dressed like that?"
Yan Sheng became embarrassed: "My clothes are wet and haven't dried yet."
Actually, he went out yesterday and happened to see a girl fall into the water. He rescued her and got his clothes wet in the process. His other clothes were hanging out to dry, but then it rained and they got wet again, so he had to wear this one.
Song Jin didn't think much of it. After all, he was her childhood friend and future benefactor. She said with concern, "Then you must be careful not to catch a cold. If you feel unwell, go find Old Liu. He knows you and will definitely help you."
Yan Sheng said warmly, "I understand, I'll be careful."
Song Jin nodded, then took out the writing brush, ink, and draft paper that their old master Shu had given her, smiling brightly and cheerfully: "The provincial examination is coming soon, throw away your old junk and use the new ones."
Yan Sheng has relied on his mother's financial support for his studies all these years, but he basically uses his calligraphy brush until the bristles fall off, filling a single sheet of paper to the brim. He also earns money by copying books and writing letters for others. He only borrows money from them as a last resort, showing both ambition and frugality.
He looked at the stationery in Song Jin's hands and immediately knew its price. He was touched and delighted, but still declined, saying, "It's too expensive. I can't use these. The most important thing about studying is the books themselves, not these external things."
"Just take it. There's no difference at all. Why would anyone sell these things? Your task now is to do well on your exams." Song Jin shoved the things into his hands, winking and making faces with obvious delight.
"Once you pass the exam and become a high-ranking official, your mother and I will be living the high life thanks to you."
Yan Sheng pursed his lips, amused, but his expression gradually hardened: "Don't worry, I'll definitely pass the exam."
When the time comes, he will return in grand style to welcome her into the house.
Song Jin didn't think as much as he did. Seeing that he had accepted the gifts and his mission was complete, she waved to him and gracefully led Xiao Hei away.
Yan Sheng stood there, clutching the valuable set of writing materials tightly, watching her walk away little by little.
**
"Da da da"
"Da da da da da"
Song Jin rode his mule along the familiar country road, swinging his legs and humming a lighthearted tune, leisurely returning to Linxi Town.
The rural road from the county to the town passes by the town's only school.
With the provincial examinations approaching, although they had little to do with the students of the town's academy, the pressure was still inevitably greater than usual.
Song Jin could hear the sound of students reading aloud from afar.
As long as she's not the one reading it herself, it's still somewhat interesting to listen to.
"At birth, human nature is good..."
Song Jin sat on the mule, imitating the children inside by swaying his head and reciting the first few lines of a poem. His swagger was so conspicuous that some townspeople, watching from afar, turned pale and walked away, afraid of confronting this little tyrant.
She continued along that road until she reached a house with a golden phoenix carved on the door. She stopped, narrowed her eyes, jumped off her mule, and looked at the people standing in front of the house with a smile.
"Oh, isn't this Aunt Mei and Jiao Jiao? Why are you running away when you see me? Do I look that scary?"
Mei Hua and her daughter Lin Jiaojiao, who came to our door yesterday and made us so angry we almost vomited blood: ...
No, don't you have any self-awareness about how scary you are?
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
